Hi, I’m Simon

INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER IN AMSTERDAM

I have a love for capturing life’s real, unfiltered moments. For over ten years, I’ve been creating images that don’t just look beautiful – they feel honest, warm, and full of emotion.

My approach is relaxed and natural, blending documentary-style photography with just the right amount of gentle guidance. Whether I’m photographing families, professionals, weddings, or special celebrations, I focus on creating a comfortable space where genuine connection can shine through.

It’s often the in-between moments – the soft smiles, spontaneous laughter – that hold the most meaning. That’s what I aim to capture: the true essence of you and your relationships.

Clients often tell me they feel at ease from the very beginning, and that’s something I really value. I take the time to plan carefully, communicate clearly, and make sure every session flows smoothly – from choosing locations and outfits to understanding the unique energy of your event or family.

Outside of photography sessions, I also run workshops and offer personalised coaching to help others explore their own photographic voice. Teaching is a big part of my creative life, and I love sharing what I’ve learned.

If you’re looking for someone who works professionally, and captures stories with heart, I’d be honoured to work with you – here in Amsterdam or wherever your journey leads.

Timeless photography

FOR EVERY OCCASION

Events & Celebrations
GALLERY | BOOK
Business Headshots
GALLERY | BOOK
Family Portraits
GALLERY | BOOK
Individual Creative Portraits
GALLERY | BOOK
Weddings
GALLERY | BOOK

A rare professional photographer with a very personal signature.

GERARD KEMPS

Unlock
your
photography
potential

LEARN PHOTOGRAPHY
IN AMSTERDAM

My ‘Introduction to Digital Photography’ workshops help DSLR and mirrorless camera users transform from beginners into confident, creative photographers.

Whether you’re completely new or looking to sharpen your skills, you’ll receive practical, tailored workshop content that’s designed to help you capture images that truly reflect your personal vision.

Our client experiences

& WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY

Liesbeth
The photographs look great, we are all very happy and I’m thinking of enlarging one or two and hang them up but it’s great to have them all. Thanks again and if anyone asks, I’ll recommend you.
Liesbeth
John & D.J .
Simon has a unique ability to capture authentic, beautiful moments. He is creative, professional and has a superb eye for detail. He makes you feel at ease in front of the camera, resulting in a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The final photographs surpassed all expectations.
John & D.J .
Jocasta Pana
Hi Simon, I have the gorgeous photo you took of the kids on my desk at work, I look at it everyday and think how beautifully you captured them, their personalities, the light, even the essence of the room itself - a room I loved to be in! Your photography always evokes an emotion. Aside from that, it is always a pleasure working with you, whether on team shots or a family photoshoot, you make it feel easy and comfortable. Thank you!
Jocasta Pana
Bernard & Floor
From the moment we first spoke with Simon, we knew he was the perfect photographer to capture our special day. His unique style, blending the candid beauty of documentary photography with the warmth and emotion of lifestyle portraits, resonated deeply with us. We didn't want posed, stiff images; we wanted our wedding photos to tell a story, to capture the laughter, the tears, the stolen glances, and the quiet moments of joy that made our day so uniquely ours. Simon delivered beyond our wildest expectations. He has an incredible knack for being both present and unobtrusive. He moved seamlessly throughout the day, documenting every precious moment without ever disrupting the flow of events. It felt like he was a part of the celebration, capturing the spirit of the day with an artist's eye and a friend's gentle touch. His ability to anticipate special moments and capture them with such artistry is truly remarkable. Looking back at our photos is like reliving the entire day – the nervous excitement, the overwhelming joy, the love that surrounded us. Simon is more than just a photographer; he’s a storyteller. He has a gift for finding the beauty in the everyday and the extraordinary in the ordinary. He captured the intimate details, the fleeting emotions, and the genuine connections that made our wedding so special. He created a visual narrative of our day that we will cherish for a lifetime. For anyone looking for a photographer who can capture the heart and soul of their special occasion, we wholeheartedly recommend Simon Elwell. His professionalism, artistry, and genuine warmth make him the perfect choice for intimate events. He is a true master of his craft, and we are eternally grateful for the beautiful memories he has preserved for us.
Bernard & Floor
Tracy & Jak
Simon’s photography is incredible, he truly captures the magic of a moment and brings memories to life forever. For our wedding, we wanted someone to capture the real moments throughout the day. We of course also had some traditional posed photos, but Simon just knew exactly what we were looking for. His style and direction is super friendly and makes you feel comfortable at all times. We knew right from the beginning that we could fully trust Simon and his way with photography.
Tracy & Jak
David & Golnaz
Made our wedding memorable! Simon went above and beyond on our wedding day. From our couples’ pictures to our family shoot and finally the ceremony, dinner, and party pictures. He made everyone feel comfortable, connected, and unique. The moments he captured were absolutely perfect! We are enamored with our wedding photos, the quality, angles, and sheer variety of different styles that he has gifted us, makes it feel more than a royal wedding! Regretfully he did create a problem for us, there is no way we can fit all of the pictures he made into one album. All the pictures are so perfect, that we are having trouble choosing which to use. We might as well do different album volumes then.. Arrival, family, ceremony, dinner, and dancing. He has captured all the most important parts of the day and has a natural eye for the perfect shot. We are grateful to him for this flawless record of the day and our memories, so we may never forget the moments we lived in. And again, thank you so so much for making our special day so perfect Simon!
David & Golnaz
VIEW ALL TESTIMONIALS

Your story starts here

I’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU

Want to know more?

CHECK OUT THE FAQS

It’s completely natural to have a few questions before booking a photographer, and I want you to feel confident and excited about the journey ahead.

I’ve put together a full FAQ page with everything you might want to know — from how to prepare to what to expect on the day.

VISIT THE FAQ PAGE
VIEW TERMS & CONDITIONS
FAMILY PHOTO SESSIONS

Where in Amsterdam do you recommend for family photo sessions?

Many families want to be photographed along Amsterdam’s iconic canals—and I’ve got a few tried-and-true spots that offer gorgeous backdrops without the tourist crowds. That said, the most important part of the shoot is your family. Do you have a favourite place in mind? A local park, your neighborhood, or somewhere meaningful to you? We’ll talk through location options during your chemistry meeting and find a spot that feels just right.

Do you shoot headshots in a studio or outdoors?

Both are options! I have a mobile studio setup that can come to your office, or we can shoot on location using natural light and a background that suits your personal or brand aesthetic. We’ll choose what fits best with your goals.

Who are your photography workshops suitable for?

These workshops are designed for anyone with a DSLR or mirrorless camera—whether you’ve just bought your first camera, are about to, or have had one for years but never quite unlocked its potential. My goal is to introduce you to both the technical functions and the creative process that turn everyday snapshots into truly memorable photos.

Do you photograph weddings outside Amsterdam?

Yes! While I’m based in Amsterdam, I happily travel throughout the Netherlands—and occasionally abroad. Let’s chat about your location and I’ll work out a custom package for you.

Do you offer customized photography packages for celebrations and special events?

Yes! I provide package price which includes 2 hours on location and a selection of photographs. There are options if you need more time, more images, or a location outside of Amsterdam. Every celebration is unique, so I it is no problem to tailor your package to suit your needs. Let’s talk through the vibe of the event, the number of guests, locations, and the kind of shots you want, and I’ll build an obligation free quote that fits.

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